Issues and Positions

Below are current efforts to manage aquatic invasive weeds and improve water quality in Clear Lake:

Clear Lake was impacted by very heavy infestations of curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) and Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) in 2021.   These invasive weeds hamper boat navigation and decay late summer releasing phosphorous which causes algae blooms.

1. The WLA contracted for a "whole lake" fluridone treatment that was applied June 14th targeting EWM in 2022.   Fluridone is a very expensive, but effective treatment for Eurasian watermilfoil and we hope that this unique treatment will reset the EWM population so that we can target any small areas that reoccur in coming years.   Please help to monitor for any escape plants in 2023.

2. Waseca county successfully used the new weed harvester from May 24 to June 20 in areas of heavy CLP infestation as well.  They were successful in removing 230 tons over 75 acres of the most affected areas of Clear Lake.   That effort will be repeated on the southern end of the lake in 2023.   We have applied for a permit to treat Curlyleaf pondweed that are detected on the northern end of the lake in 2023.

3. If you are a private lakeshore owner, you can obtain a permit from the MN DNR aquatic plant management staff, and shoreline owners can have 50ft, or one half the length of your shoreline, which ever is less, treated for all weeds.  If you send them the form below, Lakescapes will take care of the permitting for you.  See the "near shore AIS trt appl" if you want to contract with Lakescapes for treatment in 2023.    Lakescapes 2023 Clear lake -

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